When dogs get old...

Dave, that's a hard thing to go through. Hang in there and enjoy your time together as much as possible.

I had a cat for 12 years (Hobbes) that was like a dog. He waited at the door for me when I came home from work. He loved to play with me, and just be around me, wanting attention and belly rubs. He was awesome and it was terrible when he got sick and I finally had to put him down. I still think of that little guy.
 
Hate to hear Jack isn't doing well. Our pets are just like family to quite a few of us and the attachment is strong. Enjoy what time Jack has left and think back over the good times. Keep in mind everything happens for a reason and their are so many more strays out there looking for a good home and family like you have to offer.
 
BobbyG said:
Hi Dave,

Sorry to hear your pal is getting on in life...Being a pet lover and owner it's an eventually and we face it together. The death of a pet, a true and loyal companion is never easy and with everyone you one loose, a piece of your heart is buried with them...at least that's the way I see it..Believe me, I feel your pain.....
Click to expand...

Couldn't say it better Bobby - we're literaly talkn family here so nothing is more difficult then that. When it's time for my GSD to go, I'll be a complete mess. My deepest sympathies Dave.
 
Hey Dave,
Sorry to hear that Jakes not doing well,Just cherish these final times together so you can always look back remember you pal.I hope all is well with you and your new garage.Good luck my friend!
 
It is a sad time for sure. I've been fortunate to have several dogs thru my lifetime and it never got easier.

You will know when it's time and that is based on what you already know -- when the pain becomes too much then it's time.

Hang in there buddy. Us dog (pet) lovers are all right here with you.
 
Throughout my life I have owned inumerous pets (if you take into account the different species it is almost a Noah's Ark...) and I fully understand your pain.
One year ago my parent's cat died aged 17: he was diagnosed with a tumour and died weeks later - since he was in no apparent pain we left Nature take its course. It was hard.
I hope all goes for the best and that you take the right decision.
 
Well the great news is that I came home with left over fried chicken and jack was all wound up about it and she's actually walking a lot better and she went right down the steps before I could get a hold of her to carry her down. I have my fingers crossed that she just pulled a stunt to big for an old set of hips to handle. Thanks for all the concern and positive support. I'll keep this thread updated over the next week or so.
 
Dave, I feel for you man.

It honestly breaks my heart to read your story. I wish you guys the happiest of days while Jack is still with you. I took care of my grandma who had Parkinson's disease and a stroke for multiple years before she passed. It's such a hard time with nothing that can really be done to help, but I hope you get through it all okay. Best wishes Dave.
 
Best wishes Dave, I can relate.....my "Lady" is pushing 12 years and is in the boat as Jack. It won't be long for her and I really am dreading that day.

I hope for the best for Jack and yourself and I hope that she can stay around alot longer.

Dave you are truley a spirit for humanity with all that you do. When the time comes Jack will know she spent her life with the best companion there is YOU.

If there is anything I can do Dave please don't hesitate to ask.

and with that said.......I will now bow my head for a prayer for you and for Jack.
 
Thanks guys. It seems as if Jack done a complete turn around. She has healed up and is running around like a younger dog now. Thanks so much for all the prayers and encouragement. Just as I am learning that I'm no longer a spring chicken through an occasional beat down, (such as this past fall when I shut down the mobile detailing deal for the winter) I guess Jack is also learning the same type of lessons about over doing things. Jack was born at Christmas time going on 16 years ago. She gets "Better than Ears Plus hip and joint formula" pig ear shaped doggy treats, that contain glucosemine and condrointin to cushion and lubricate her old joints. I've been giving her 2, sometimes 3 a day for the past 4 years. I believe this is why she has a hard time realizing that she's as old as she is.

In my mind, I guess I sometimes expect the worst in certain situations. Jack living in pain would be the worst thing and my pain always secondary to hers. So each time she hurts herself like she recently did I instantly jump to the conclusion that it's time to have her put down. I am so so glad that she has healed up so well and I'll work my hardest to prevent her from doing her usual somersaults and "jumping Jacks", re-injuring her hips.

Thanks a lot for listening and reading. It really helps to calm myself in these types of moments when I type it out here and read the replies.TD
 
Dave,

That is the kinda news I love to read.

About the use of Glucosamine, a few years back we went to "Cosequin" brand. Prior to using this product, we were giving him another brand (don't remember name) and saw an ad on the teley for this brand. Wife did a little research, just to make sure it was safe. WHAT a difference! Wonder how it would work on 'people'...LOL.

Give Jack an extra love pat for me...

Bill
 
BobbyG said:
Hi Dave,

Sorry to hear your pal is getting on in life...

Being a pet lover and owner it's an eventually and we face it together. The death of a pet, a true and loyal companion is never easy and with everyone you one loose, a piece of your heart is buried with them...at least that's the way I see it..

Believe me, I feel your pain.....
Click to expand...

Dave,
Sorry to hear about Jack. It's never easy to make the decision you're facing. Last week I had to put down my Golden Retriever. Ginger was 14, I miss her so much. Good luck and hang in there.

Bobby, exactly how I feel. :xyxthumbs:
 
Dave,
Long time no speak. I am sorry to hear about Jack's health. All I can say is you are lucky you found each other. Your both awesome -enjoy the time you have.......all my best wishes.

Jeff
 
Glad to hear of Jack's turn around!
 
mbret2004 said:
Dave,
Sorry to hear about Jack. It's never easy to make the decision you're facing. Last week I had to put down my Golden Retriever. Ginger was 14, I miss her so much. Good luck and hang in there.

Bobby, exactly how I feel. :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...
Dude, I'm sorry to hear that. Living in the here and now of things, I'm elated that Jack has done her quick turnaround concerning her hips. The pain of having to do the right thing in the end could never over shadow the joy that dogs bring into your life on a day to day basis. When Jack Goes, I'll probably look to adopt an adult dog from a shelter, rescuing it from the fate it would otherwise have. I just don't want to do the whole chewing up the whole house thing that puppies can do in their first 3 years or so of life.
 
JSFM35x said:
Dave,
Long time no speak. I am sorry to hear about Jack's health. All I can say is you are lucky you found each other. Your both awesome -enjoy the time you have.......all my best wishes.

Jeff
Click to expand...
Thanks Jeff!!! So nice to hear from you!! :xyxthumbs: How's detailing that white Porsche going?

vet said:
Glad to hear of Jack's turn around!
Click to expand...
Thanks Vet, me too.
 
I'm so sorry :( I know how you feel... last year we lost our cat to FIV. It was a long, tough, painful battle. He was my cat, the cat I picked out as a kitten who licked my hair when I got out of the shower (lol) and always layed on me when I had work to do. He was only 12. Such a great cat. Anyway, enough memory lane for me... it's such a hard thing to deal with. Your animals become family to you..they are your family. You're making me tear up lol xD. All you can do is make the best of the situation you're in at any given moment right? Just enjoy your time with Jack now. She's still got some kickin' to do yet :) I'm sure there are so many great memories you two have made, and many more to come, no matter how short a time she may have left. I'll keep you and Jack in my prayers.
 
Jack has had her last episode starting yesterday. This time is worse than all previous episodes. To truly love something is to be willing to let it go when the time comes. The vet once told me that when the time came, I'd know. Tomorrow morning when the vet's office opens I'll be calling to make arrangements to have "My Girl Jack" put to sleep. OMG this is so hard to see her
like this and so hard to let go. My decision is etched in stone so she's getting some extra love this evening. Thanks for all your compassion and support now and in the past. TD.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top